Visiting Algonquin
Algonquin Park, established in 1893 in Ontario, protects a variety of natural, cultural, and recreational features and values. It is a wildlife sanctuary that protects the headwaters of the five major rivers which flow from the Park (Petawawa, Madawaska, Muskoka, Amable du Fond, and South Rivers.) As one of the largest provincial parks, 7,653 km², Algonquin is diverse and offers something for everyone.
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Location, Directions, Accomodations & Activities
Where We Are
Algonquin Park is located in south central Ontario, Canada. It is about 300 km (a 3.5 hour drive) north of Toronto, Ontario and about 260 km (a 3 hour drive) west of Ottawa, Ontario. The East Gate is located just west of the town of Whitney, Ontario. The West Gate is located just east of the village of Dwight, Ontario.
Highway 60 runs through the Park from both ends, and Camp Pathfinder is located at kilometer 20 on Source Lake. Drive down our forested 1km. camp road to the parking lot where a Pathfinder shuttle boat will pick you up.
Map of Highway 60 (blue) and Source Lake (Camp).
Map of North America. Algonquin Park marked in green.
What To Do
Vistor Centre
Algonquin Park, Ontario
Opened in 1993 for the 100th anniversary of Algonquin Park, the Visitor Centre has world class exhibits on the Park's natural and human history, a relaxing restaurant and an excellent bookstore. A theatre presentation sums up the Park story and takes you out to the viewing deck to admire a breathtaking panorama Algonquin landscape.
Logging Museum
Algonquin Park, Ontario
The Algonquin Logging Museum brings to life the story of logging from the early square timber days to modern forestry management. Start your visit with a video presentation that sums up the logging history of the Algonquin area. On the easy-to-walk 1.5 km trail, a recreated camboose camp and a fascinating steam-powered amphibious tug called an "alligator" are among the many displays.
Art Centre
Algonquin Park, Ontario
The Algonquin Art Centre is a world-class art gallery showcasing Canada’s foremost wilderness and wildlife artists. Built upon a long tradition of artists in Algonquin Park, the Centre puts on annual exhibits that explore the connections between artists and Canada’s wilderness parks.
Booth's Rock Trail
Rock Lake
Booth's Rock Trail is a 5.1 km loop trail that visits two lakes and a spectacular lookout over Rock Lake, returning via an abandoned railway. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Track & Tower Trail
Cache Lake
Track and Tower Trail is a 7.5 km loop featuring a spectacular lookout over Cache Lake, home to Camp Northway for girls, this trail introduces you to some fascinating history.
Mizzy Lake Trail
Ragged Falls
Tom Thompson Mowat Trail
Portage Store
Algonquin Outfitters
Mizzy Lake
Oxtongue River
Canoe Lake
Canoe Lake
Oxtongue Lake
Mizzy Lake Trail is an 10.8 km trail that requires an early start and a full day to do properly. It visits nine ponds and small lakes and affords some of the best chances to see wildlife in the Park. A very popular place to spot moose. No pets permitted on this trail.
The Ragged Falls trail on Oxtongue River is only 1 km long but it offers a great view of Ragged Falls. It is just off Hwy 60 near the Algonquin Park west gate.
Located in Mowat Cemetery under a massive historical birch tree is the burial site of infamous Canadian painter Tom Thompson. His mysterious death and burial are just as intriguing as his art. Located at the top of a 10-minute bush trail off the west side of Canoe Lake, where Thompson lived and died.
The P-Store is at Canoe Lake just west of Soruce, and has washrooms-showers, outfitting, restaurant, and retail store with fuel.
The heart and soul of Algonquin Outfitters can be found at our original store on Oxtongue Lake, which opened in 1961. Canada’s largest light-weight rental canoe fleet is based here, along with a wide selection of kayaks and four 26′ North (Voyageur) canoes, a wide range of camping equipment, canoeing/camping gear and accessories.
How To Get Here
Northbound from Niagara & Toronto regions
From Buffalo, NY take the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge or Queenston-Lewiston Bridge to the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Take the QEW to Burlington. After the Burlington Skyway bridge, take the exit to Hwy. 407 ETR eastbound. This is an excellent automated toll road going around the Toronto metro area.
Continue on 407 to the Highway 400 North exit to Barrie. Just north of Barrie, ON merge to Hwy. 11 North toward Orillia. Continue on Hwy.11 North to Orillia and on past Gravenhurst and Bracebridge to Huntsville, Ontario. Take the third Huntsville exit, Highway 60 East/Ottawa. Continue on Hwy. 60 into Algonquin Park.
Twenty kilometers inside the Park (follow km. markings) you will see the Source Lake Road, a left turn.
Use your cell phone to call for boat service when entering the Park, and drive down our 1.6km road to landing.
Please drive slowly! Free parking passes are provided by Pathfinder.
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Northbound from Thousand Islands
From the Thousand Islands Bridge off Interstate 81 North, take the Thousand Islands Parkway to Highway 401 West. Exit the 401 at Highway 62 North toward Madoc, Ontario. Exit Highway 62 at Highway 127 North and take this all the way to Highway 60 just east of Whitney Ontario.
Head west on Hwy. 60 through Whitney and into Algonquin Park.
About 30 minutes into the Park, you will see signs for Source Lake Road, Km 20, a right turn.
Use your cell phone to call for boat service when entering the Park, and drive down our 1.6km road to landing. Please drive slowly! Free parking passes are provided by Pathfinder.
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Westbound from Ottawa
Head west on Hwy. 60 through Barry's Bay to Whitney and into Algonquin Park.
About 30 minutes into the Park, you will see signs for Source Lake Road, Km 20, a right turn.
Use your cell phone to call for boat service when entering the Park, and drive down our 1.6km road to landing. Please drive slowly! Free parking passes are provided by Pathfinder.
WHERE TO STAY
Algonquin Park, Ontario
Arowhon Pines Resort
Luxury accommodation, with private and group cabins, full amenities and fine dining in the heart of the Park. Off the beaten track, on Little Joe Lake, an 8-kilometer scenic drive into the back country. A number of Pathfinder parents stay or dine here during their annual visits. Please do mention Pathfinder for a consideration.
Algonquin Park, Ontario
Bartlett Lodge
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Comfortable cabins with full amenities, and fine cuisine included, located in the heart of the Park on Cache Lake, a 10-minute drive from Pathfinder's dock. A number of Pathfinder parents stay or dine here during their annual visits to the park. Please do mention Pathfinder for a consideration.
Algonquin Park, Ontario
Killarney Lodge
More good food and comfortable cabins in the Park, on Lake of Two Rivers, about a 20 minute drive from Pathfinder's dock. Log cabin style houses and home cooking. Another popular place for Pathfinder parents to stay. Please do mention Pathfinder for a consideration.
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Oxtongue Lake, Ontario
Blue Spruce Resort
A fine location just 20 minutes away from Pathfinder, just outside the Park at Oxtongue Lake on Highway 60. Housekeeping cottages or motel units, no dining on site, but many choices nearby.
Mention Pathfinder.
Oxtongue Lake, Ontario
Algonquin Lakeside Inn
Another good choice just outside the Park. Efficiency rooms, full dining room, close to the West Gate of Algonquin. Mention Pathfinder.
